The legendary Mahotella Queens has vowed to return to Sedibeng region to facilitate musical workshops following a stint visit in a bid to preserve Mbhaqanga legacy.

Taking intervals in between their performances, Hilda Tloubatla took time to have a word or two with the young revellers who had gathered in their large numbers post commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre formal proceedings.

“It can’t be right that every day we jet off to overseas to conduct workshops about our locally produced music yet our children are neglected,” laments Tloubatla.

The 74-year old lead singer says the mentality that something is only good because it is endorsed or comes from abroad is wrong as a result that has to change.

“We cannot have people coming and claiming what is rightfully ours, our children need to take pride in their music,” Tloubatla added.

Recently jazz maestro Don Laka took to social media and vented his anger over lack of airplay for local music by the national broadcaster in favour of international acts.

Laka also came under fire for naming club DJs who are now doubling as radio disc-jockeys by deeming the move as a conflict of interest.

SHARPEVILLE- Gauteng Premier, David Makhura says the death of sixty nine people who died during the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 was not in vain.

They were brutally killed by the apartheid police during a peaceful protest against pass laws.

Makhura was speaking at the annual commemoration which is now known as the Human Rights Day.

As the country remembers those who died and the many victims who were also wounded on the day, Makhura said it is befitting to launch an anti-racism initiative which will uphold the rights of all South Africans.

“Government is committed to assisting the families of those that died because most of these families are impoverished and marginalised due to the loss of their loved ones.

Most of the youth in these families are unemployed. This is our immediate concern to ensure that they find employment so they can take care of their families,” said Makhura.

Makhura also pledged that the families of those that died during the Sharpeville massacre will also be prioritised in the allocation of housing in the area.

“A nation that cannot honour those that sacrificed for the future of many more generations is not a respectable nation,” added Makhura.

He said it was therefore important to ensure that all people live in dignity when talking about Human Rights.

To this end, he said the province would also launch a major initiative.

“We are going to take the children of the victims and survivours back to school. But our priority is the elder people. The country that does not respect or take care of its veterans is dead,” he explained.

According to the Premier, they are also going to offer houses to ex-combatant who are homeless but they are going to start with elderly people and those who are physical challenge.

He said those can build for themselves are going to be given empty stands.

Men and women in blue parade during the State of the Province Address. Picture by Smanga Kumalo.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday announced that the province finally has a permanent Police commissioner in newly appointed General Deliwe Suzan De Lange.

Announcing De Lange’s appointment, Makhura said he is pleased that the issue of instability with the position of Gauteng Police Commissioner has finally been addressed. The Premier during his State of the Province Address voiced his concern about lack of a permanent appointment in this position.

De Lange is the first Police Commissioner appointed in a permanent capacity, since Bethuel Mondli Zuma was fired in 2013.

General Lesetja Mothiba was appointed in an acting capacity after Zuma was fired, and he was in turn replaced by Major General Eric Nkuna, who was appointed acting commissioner last month.

“We wish to congratulate and welcome Major De Lange in her new and demanding role,” Makhura said.

“We are confident that she brings a wealth of experience with her to help us fight crime and build a safer Gauteng.”

Welcoming De Lange’s appointment, the Premier’s office said that she has risen through the ranks since she joined the SA Police Service (SAPS) at the age of 22.

As the first female provincial commissioner ever to be appointed in Gauteng, De Lange has more than 30 years of experience.

Prior to her appointment as Gauteng Police Commissioner, she held the position of Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Human Resource Management in the province.